KPAP and Kilimanjaro fair treatment standards
The exploitation and mistreatment of porters can be a troubling challenge in the climbing industry. By climbing with us - a qualified KPAP Partner company - you can be assured that your porters are well taken care of. All Kilimanjaro companies are invited to participate with the Partner for Responsible Travel Program.

We voluntarily cooperate with KPAP’s monitoring activities and allow KPAP to evaluate the treatment of our porters on all of our climbs.

KILIMANJARO PORTERS ASSISTANCE PROJECT
The exploitation and mistreatment of porters can be a troubling challenge in the climbing industry.
By climbing with us - a qualified KPAP Partner company - you can be assured that your porters are well taken care of. All Kilimanjaro companies are invited to participate with the Partner for Responsible Travel Program. We voluntarily cooperate with KPAP’s monitoring activities and allow KPAP to evaluate the treatment of our porters on all of our climbs.

We are proud to be an approved Partner company as this ensures we are externally monitored on each and every trek for fair treatment standards.

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) is a Tanzanian non-for-profit organization founded in 2003. KPAP is an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC), a US 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. You can find out more and donate at www.kiliporters.org.

Partner company qualification criteria
We qualify as a partner company as we:
- We voluntarily participate with KPAP’s monitoring of the treatment practices related to the crew. All KPAP monitoring activities are performed at no charge to the climbing company.
- We undergo extensive review and assessment by placing a KPAP porter on every climb during the climbing season.
- We received data from the monitoring activities, compiled at the end of each climbing season, by receiving and reviewing a Scorecard documenting our treatment of the crew.
- We are required to obtain a minimum of an 85% performance level on the Guidelines for Proper Porter Treatment Scorecard.
- We are monitored every season to determine if the company continues to qualify in meeting the minimum 85% performance level.

The minimum fair treatment standards
The basic standards we aren't monitored for are as listed below which are what we and KPAP believe our crew should get from a fair employer.
- Pay at least a fair minimum wage for Porters (20,000 TZS per day), Cooks and Assistant guides (30,000 TZS per day), Lead guides (40,000 TZS per day)
- Provide salary payments within 2 days after the descent of a climb.
- Implement a transparent tipping procedure to ensure that the porters receive the full amount of tip intended for them.
- Provide tipping recommendations to climbers so that porters receive a proper living wage from the combined salary and tip.
- Provide the appropriate number of porters per climb so that each porter carries only 20kg of company gear. The minimum number of porters per climber on the camping routes is at least 3 porters per climber and - 2 porters per climber on the Marangu route.
- Provide 3 meals a day and cover all costs for food while on the mountain.
- Provide proper tents, ground sheet, and appropriate sleeping space for crew. Regular porters are not to sleep in the mess tent.
- Offer equal climbing opportunities to all porters registered with the company.
- Inform crew of company’s requirements regarding gear and equipment and ensure proper kit prior to the climb.
- Assist with the descent of an ill porter and provide for medical treatment as necessary.
- Provide transportation to Londorossi and Rongai gates.
- Participate in a biannual review of Guidelines for Proper Porter Treatment Scorecards with KPAP.
- Meet with porters, company Director/s and KPAP once per year to review and discuss crew welfare.
- Attend annual Partner Company general meeting.
- Adhere to all local and National Government standards and regulations.